'He loves the challenge' – Henry Asante Twum says Björkegren ready for double Black Stars, Black Queens role

Ghana Football Association Communications Director Henry Asante Twum says Kim Lars Björkegren is ready to take on the challenge of leading the interim Black Stars technical team while continuing as head coach of the Black Queens.

Asante Twum said the Swedish coach welcomed the opportunity, with the schedules of Ghana’s men’s and women’s teams allowing him to manage the assignments without a direct clash. “He loves the challenge. At least, I spent the day with him, and I know he is ready to take it on. He also feels that it is time to test himself,” Asante Twum said.

Björkegren has been appointed to lead the interim Black Stars technical team for Ghana’s November 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia.

He will work with Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram as assistants, with Fatawu Dauda serving as goalkeepers’ coach.

The Swedish coach is also responsible for the Black Queens, who are preparing for their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying play-offs.

Asante Twum explained that the different international windows would allow Björkegren to manage the commitments in sequence.

“The Black Stars and Black Meteors' games will run from the early part of November to the middle of the month. The Black Queens' games will be at the end of November and into the first week of December,” he said on TV3's Sports Station show.

He added that the limited time to prepare for both assignments would not be a challenge for the 44-year-old.

"However, these matches fall within different time intervals. The Black Stars and Black Meteors' games will run from the early part of November to the middle of the month. The Black Queens' games will be at the end of November and into the first week of December.

"So, he has that luxury. The women's international window is completely different from the men's international window. While the women are playing, the men are on a break, and when the men resume, the women also have their turn."

Björkegren had previously worked with the Black Stars as one of Otto Addo’s assistants during preparations for the 2022 World Cup, including friendly matches against Austria and Germany.

The interim appointment gives Björkegren an opportunity to lead Ghana’s senior men’s side as the Black Stars seek to recover from defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia in their opening AFCON qualifiers.

Asante Twum called for support for the coach as he takes on the assignment before returning to his role with the Black Queens.